BiblioScholar Study of Personal Defense Weapons for U.S. Army Helicopter Pilots

This study was undertaken in response to a United States Army Combat Developments Command requirement to identify the existing requirements for improved personal defense weapons for the various branches and services of the U.S. Army, to include U.S. Army Aviation. The Colt Model 19l1Al.45 caliber automatic pistol has been the standard personal defense weapon of issue for nearly sixty years. With the advent of the helicopter as a viable combat vehicle, its pilots turned to a variety of personal weapons in a form of protest against the 19l1Al's weight and inaccuracy. In 1965 the.38 caliber revolver was adopted as the pilot's weapon of issue. Although more acceptable to the pilot than the 1911Al, it, too, was found to be inadequate. The problem resolved by the research centered on identifying the existing requirement for a helicopter pilot's personal defense weapon and determining what weapon will best satisfy recognized needs.